Local News

10-year-old boy killed by tree branch at Indiana Beach Campground

White County, Indiana authorities are investigating a tragedy at a campground. A 10-year-old boy is dead after part of a tree fell on the tent he was occupying at Indiana Beach Campground.

The White County Sheriff's Office reports a large tree branch fell and landed on a tent with a family inside. The family is from Mishawaka, Indiana. A 911 call was made to the White County Communications Center just before 8:30 am.

Sheriff Patrick Shafer said Indiana Beach security officers performed CPR on the boy until paramedics arrived. The boy was transported to IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello where he was pronounced dead.

The White County Sheriff's Office, the Monticello Police Department, along with Indiana State Police, the White County Coroner's Office and Indiana Beach Security all assisted with the investigation.

911 texting available in Newton County

The public is urged to only use text messaging to 911 when a voice call is not possible or it is not safe to make a voice call. The Newton County Sheriff's Department emphasizes location and nature of the emergency should be the first communication.

Texting is not always instantaneous. Abbreviations and slang should never be used so that the dialogue can be as clear as possible.

Sheriff Tom VanVleet stresses " voice calls are preferred over text, but is texting is the only option, relaying vital info is imperative.

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint are providing this service to their customers. Other carriers are expected to follow in the near future.

Watseka's Fourth of July parade welcomes registrations

"Pride in Our Past ... Faith in Our Future." That's the theme for this year's July 4 parade in Watseka.

Registration forms are available at the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce office. They're also available online at www.watsekachamber.org

The city of Watseka sponsors the parade. Awards will recognize the best farm entry, best religious entry, best commercial entry, best children's unit, best walking unit, best use of theme and best decorated emergency vehicle.There is no charge to participate in the parade.

The children's coloring contest welcomes kids 3-7 years of age to enter their work. One male and one female winner will be selected to ride in the parade as Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker. Information is available at the chamber office and must be returned by June 24 to be included in this year's judging.

Five teenagers hurt in weekend mishap

The crash occurred near Fairmount on 1200 North Road.One of the teens was airlifted by a Life Flight helicopter after being pinned in the wreckage. Sheriff's police reported the teen was in stable condition. Another passenger refused treatment.

The five teenagers hurt range in age from 15 to 18. The crash remains under investigation.

Armed robbery in Melvin under investigation

Ford County Sheriff's Police are investigating a reported armed robbery that occurred last week at a Melvin convenience store on W. Main Street.

A press release from Sheriff Mark Doran states police were called around 8:30 pm Thursday (June 9).

A female clerk told police that a white male wearing dark clothing and wearing a black mask ordered her to open the cash register. The robber then ordered her to lay face-down on the floor. The robber then fled with an undetermined amount of cash and other items taken from the store. Doran said the man also had a larger kitchen knife.No one was injured.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the sheriff's office at 217-379-2324 or Ford County CrimeStoppers at 217-784-4173.